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Bush Heads to Africa to Promote Disease-Fighting Programs


George W. Bush and Laura Bush tour A to Z textile mills, which produces insecticide mosquito nets to combat malaria, in Arusha, Tanzania, Feb. 18, 2008.
George W. Bush and Laura Bush tour A to Z textile mills, which produces insecticide mosquito nets to combat malaria, in Arusha, Tanzania, Feb. 18, 2008.

Former U.S. President George W. Bush will travel to Africa next month to emphasize programs to fight diseases like AIDS and malaria.

The ex-president and his wife, Laura, will visit Tanzania, Zambia and Ethiopia from December 1-5.

While in Africa, the former president and first lady will promote disease-fighting initiatives started during his presidency and supported by the George W. Bush Institute's global health program.

During his time in office between 2001 to 2009, Mr. Bush championed a $60 billion initiative to combat AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis around the world. Most of the assistance went to Africa.

President Barack Obama has continued support for the program, known as PEPFAR or President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

While in Africa, the George W. Bush Presidential Center says Mr. and Mrs. Bush will make a major announcement to highlight new ways to prevent cancer.

The trip will mark the first time the couple returns to Africa since their time in the White House.

They visited Africa in 2003 and 2008, and the former first lady traveled there separately three other times.

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